ARE YOU SQUEAKING TO A STOP?

Oh, the noise can drive you crazy! If you're one of the unfortunate drivers who hears a high-pitched squeak every time you hit the brakes, you don't have to ask, "What noise?" You know! When your brakes are making noise, they may get so loud that you suffer the stares of other drivers when you stop at a light. Oh, the embarrassment.

YOUR BRAKES ARE TRYING TO TELL YOU SOMETHING

Clearly, something is wrong, and it may be more just than an embarrassment or an annoyance. The braking system is one of your vehicle's most important safety features. When brakes are making noise, a sound course of action is to have your vehicle checked by a trained Jiffy Lube® technician. A brake inspection can reveal the source of the problem as well as a remedy that can stop squeaking brakes. While it's usually recommended that brakes be inspected every 12 months or 12,000 miles (check your owner's manual for your specific vehicle's service schedule interval), you shouldn't wait until your next routine maintenance check to find out what's wrong.

WHAT'S THE SOURCE OF THE SQUEAK?

Noisy brakes are a common problem, often caused by:

• Contamination. Squeaky brakes can be a dirty business! Rust, brake fluid or grease and road debris can all find their way into the brake's disc and drum system.

• Misassembled or missing components. Your braking system depends on all the vital parts working together in concert, or the results will not be music to your ears.

• Repeated use. Brakes are considered a normal wear item and that squeak can be an audible warning that it may be time to replace brake pads.

• Lack of lubrication. Dry or non-lubricated braking components can grind and make themselves heard.

After an inspection, a Jiffy Lube technician will explain what's going on with your vehicle's braking system, answer your questions, and provide a written evaluation of any service recommendations — including, of course, how to stop squeaking brakes.

IS A LOUD SQUEAK ALWAYS A BIG DEAL?

Not necessarily. It's true that sometimes a noise problem doesn't indicate an actual braking performance issue. But when you consider how important the braking system is to your safety — and the safety of everyone you pass on the road! — it just makes sense to get those squeaky brakes checked promptly.

To help you better understand, let's look at the two most common braking systems and how they enable you to brake safely when they're in proper working condition.

1. Disc brakes. This system consists of a metallic disc or rotor, a caliper and a set of pads. When the brake pedal is pressed, hydraulic fluid pressure passes through the lines causing the caliper piston(s) to press the pads against the disc/rotor. The pads' application against the disc/rotor generates friction, causing the vehicle to slow down.

2. Drum brakes. This system consists of a brake drum and brake shoes. As with the disc brake operation, when the brake pedal is pressed, hydraulic fluid pressure passes through the lines. This is when a wheel cylinder pushes the brake shoes against the brake drum's inner surface, generating friction and causing the vehicle to slow down. On modern vehicles, there are typically two different types of brake pad materials used – either semi-metallic or ceramic.

FIND OUT WHY THEY SAY,"SILENCE IS GOLDEN."

You've seen possible reasons for the problem and read about how your brake system works. Now let's look at how Jiffy Lube can help you stop squeaking brakes.

Here's what to expect when you bring your vehicle to a Jiffy Lube service center for brake service:

• A trained technician will ask you a few questions to identify your driving style

• A complete visual inspection of your vehicle's brakes will be performed (wheels on)

• A more thorough brake inspection is performed if a tire rotation is performed

• Brake service recommendations will be presented to you based on this visual inspection

• In some cases, a more comprehensive inspection may be recommended

• Your vehicle will be test driven before and after the brake service

• The technician will explain the results and answer your questions

• Service options will be presented in writing

As needed, and with your consent, your brake system will be serviced by trained Jiffy Lube technicians following OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) specifications. After the problem is resolved to your satisfaction, you'll be able to confidently put your foot on the brake and know the system will respond as reliably — and as quietly — as it was designed to do.

IT PAYS TO PAY ATTENTION

Remember, if you hear squeaking or squealing when you come to a stop, it's a good idea to have your brakes checked promptly. Your timely response will not only help keep you safe, it could save you money. You may be able to fix a comparatively minor problem before it becomes a costly, time-consuming repair.

Even if you do not hear unusual or annoying sounds, you should have your brakes checked once or twice a year, or as outlined in your vehicle owner's manual. If you can't locate your manual, don't worry: Jiffy Lube technicians can access your vehicle's maintenance schedule and the recommended service procedures.

CONSIDER JIFFY LUBE YOUR RESOURCE FOR VEHICLE MAINTENANCE

With more than 2,000 locations across North America, Jiffy Lube is ready to help you keep your car, minivan, truck or SUV operating as engineered. When you visit Jiffy Lube, you can count on services performed by trained technicians. What's more, most locations use quality Pennzoil® products that meet or exceed OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) specifications.